6 Best Modems For Google WiFi in 2021 [Seamless Connectivity]

Google WiFi is a next-gen wireless router killer that transcends into a mesh-like space. But to make it tick, you’ll need to pair it with the best possible modem. Although, there are no specific modem compatibility requirements, you’ll however need to make sure that the device you’re picking is compatible with your service provider.

For starters, modems for the Google WiFi setup make sense to corporate establishments and large houses. Plus, if you want to eliminate dead zones, once and for all, a complete Google WiFi mesh setup led by a performant modem is the need of the hour.

As far as specific features are concerned, you would want the modem to be light, loaded with multiple Ethernet ports, exhibiting channel bonding support, DOCSIS 3.1 compatible but with DOCSIS 3.0 fallback, loaded with a fast processor to manage ISP speeds better, and well-ventilated. But finding such modems is easier said than done.

Instead of the mentioned features, you end up locating devices with one Ethernet port, middling DOCSIS support with not even 24 downstream channels, bulky form factors, and more. With these pain points being common, I have taken it upon myself to prepare a list of the top modems for Google Wi-Fi, as per the price, efficacy, aligned features, and budget.

6 Best Modems for Google WiFi in 2021

In the subsequent sections, I shall talk about 6 of the most compatible modems for Google WiFi at length. I would try to bring in my personal findings concerning each modem, as tested across a plethora of ISP-provided plans.

Segregated according to the DOCSIS tech, ports, data speeds, and other factors, you will find some high-end devices at the start followed by the more basic and cost-effective variants.

1. Best Overall: Netgear CM1100

Netgear’s CM1100 is still a cost-effective device despite sporting a pretty exhaustive specs sheet. While there are several good things about this future-proof modem, what stands out is its ability to assume Gig-level speeds, far better than the likes of CM1000.

Speed & Channel Bonding

Let’s quickly get down to the maximum data rates, which stand at a respectable 1Gbps for the CM1100. Most importantly, the data speed capping works well with the AC1200 setup, relevant to the Google Wi-Fi. I tested the same with Cox’s Gigablast plan and could churn out speeds of up to 800 Mbps on Google’s 5GHz band.

Coming back to the modem, the Netgear CM1100 is one of the top shelf modems with DOCSIS 3.1 technology and 32 x 8 channel bonding support, courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.0 fallback, allowing you to achieve decent throughputs.

Ports & Connectivity

Netgear brings in 2 high-speed ethernet ports, a feature fitting enough considering the fact that even Google Wi-Fi throws in two ports to make life easier for gamers and professionals. However, the fun part is the link aggregation support, allowing you to bond the speeds of individual ports into one, provided you have two IPs in place.

Design & Build

The CM1100 is a good-looking modem that weighs south of the one-pound mark. The lightness of form doesn’t impact performance as Netgear manages to keep it well-ventilated. Complementing the sleek chassis are the manageable dimensions, fixed at 8.8 x 3.4 x 5.9 inches.

Hardware & Performance

The availability of a Broadcom chipset and 256MB of RAM ensure that the CM1100 stays more than capable of processing data packets without drops and snags. Therefore, even if you plan on using the device as a standalone networking ally, without connecting it to the Google mesh Wi-Fi, you can expect the CM1100 to deliver excellent speeds.

The processing setup also introduces integrated QoS functionality, courtesy of the IPv6 feature and the auto-sensing feature for facilitating traffic prioritization.

Conclusion

Overall, the Netgear CM1100 is easily one of the best modems to use with Google WiFi that could seamlessly pair, especially the single or two-pack setup. Also, it is the DOCSIS 3.1 functionality that makes it effective enough for the future, if and when Google brings Wi-Fi AX to its mesh setup.

2. Best Runner Up: Netgear CM700

Google Wi-Fi, unlike the Eero Pro 6 mesh setup, doesn’t support Wi-Fi AX and therefore it is a frugal approach to pair with a mid-range internet plan. This is where the Netgear CM700 comes into the mix, boasting integrated Quality of Service support, better traffic prioritization, and the ability to reach better speeds, as compared to the older CM600.

Speed & Channel Bonding

Coming to the speeds, the CM700 is capped at 800Mbps, as per my real-time finding whilst using it alongside the 2-pack Google Wi-Fi setup. However, with a Gig plan, I was able to experience wired speeds of up to 1Gbps.

However, this product is worth purchasing if you want to set it up with Cox’s Ultimate or any other mid-range plan. The DOCSIS 3.0 technology is worth investing in if you are happy with mid-level speeds. Plus, the 32 x 8 channel bonding support ensures faster data transfers and congestion-free networking.

Ports & Connectivity

Netgear ensures that you only get one Gig Ethernet port on the CM700. While this might be a deal-breaker for larger houses where you might want to connect Smart TVs or gaming consoles directly to the modem, the single port doesn’t impact the performance of the Google Wi-Fi mesh routing unit. However, if you plan on ditching the router, the wired connection is still very much on the table.

Design & Build

The CM700 carries Netgear’s legacy forward by continuing to be light. At 0.55 pounds, this modem is one of the lightest on the list, with dimensions fixed at 6.6 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches. Also, the heat dissipation is top-notch., courtesy of a perfectly ventilated setup.

Hardware & Performance

At the core, Netgear features a standard quad-core chipset that can clock at 1.6GHz, thereby making life easier for persistent streamers and gamers. The 128MB RAM is also a reliable ally, ensuring congestion-free transmission.

While the setup seems reasonable enough, it might not get you through 4K streaming and gaming. Finally, the CM700 is one of the easiest modems to set up in the first place.

Conclusion

If affordability is a significant priority, the Netgear CM700 is worth investing in. Plus, its lucid interface is what makes it stand out among the rest.

3. Best Value for Money: ARRIS Surfboard SB6190

If you are in the market for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that focuses on keeping things basic yet effective, the ARRIS Surfboard SB6190 is the perfect product to have. What stands out is its durability as the SB6190 is one of the toughest products around despite sporting a plastic-clad chassis.

Speed & Channel Bonding

In theory, this modem lets you achieve max speeds of 1Gbps. However, I tested the same with Xfinity’s Gig plan while I was working on the SB6190 vs SB8200 comparison article. In my testings, I could get close to 800 Mbps via the Google WiFi mesh. But that’s not even the fun part here. If you plan on connecting the modem directly to the computer, you can very well get close to 1Gbps.

Ports & Connectivity

There is only one Ethernet port in play. Still, the lack of multiple ports doesn’t impact the overall Google Wi-Fi Mesh’s throughput, in any way whatsoever.

Design & Build

The SB6190 is a tough modem to have, despite weighing only 0.75 pounds. Dimension-wise, it measures 6.4 x 8.7 x 4.2 inches, making it portable and accommodative enough.

Hardware & Performance

While Intel’s Puma chipset doesn’t make many heads roll, Arris brings in 256MB of RAM to nullify certain restrictive effects, quite significantly. Therefore, despite being capable of reaching max internet speeds of up to 800 Mbps, I wouldn’t recommend this for gaming, courtesy of the latency.

Conclusion

Overall, the Arris SB6190 is a reliable modem to have, more so as it achieves the perfect balance between price and productivity. Plus, it is the self-activation support that places it above some of the other products on the list.

4. Best Design: Motorola MB7621

Motorola’s MB7621 doesn’t need any introduction, especially to the budget seekers who want a competent modem with work with Google Nest or Google Wi-Fi. Plus, the Motorola MB7621 is quite an upgrade over the MB7420, especially if you want better download speeds and wired throughput.

Speed & Channel Bonding

The first thing which makes this a good enough modem for Google Wi-Fi is its multi-ISP compatibility. Therefore, you can pair it with any mid-tier plan from Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and more, expecting it to achieve max speeds of up to 800Mbps in theory and around 500Mbps, in real-time.

With DOCSIS 3.0 technology in play, this modem manages to transmit data without drops. Plus, the 24 x 8 channel bonding support ensures the availability of sizable frequency bands to cut through any form of congestion.

Ports & Connectivity

There is only one Gig ethernet port in plain sight. While this certainly justifies the use case, it leaves a lot to be desired if you plan on connecting devices directly to the modem.

Design & Build

The MB7621 assumes a vertical layout that looks sturdy and delivers when aesthetic presence is concerned. At 1.2 pounds, it is a bit heavier than some of the other products around but the dimensions at 7.25 x 7.88 x 2.25 inches are nothing but manageable. Plus, the extensive gamut of LEDs stands out, along with a well-ventilated chassis.

Hardware & Performance

The Broadcom chipset ensures consistent throughput. Also, even though Motorola hasn’t officially declared the RAM count, I am expecting something in the line of 128MB, which manages to keep the connections active and lag-free.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the Motorola MB7621 isn’t the most powerful modem around but it certainly manages to hold its own when it comes to the aesthetics, overall layout, and ability to maintain decent internet speeds without drops.

5. Best for Web Surfing: Linksys CM3024

Despite being loaded with the contentious Intel Puma chipset, the Linksys CM3024 continues to feature on many lists and more so if you plan on connecting with the Google Mesh routers like the Google Wi-Fi.

Speed & Channel Bonding

While the modem speeds can go up to 960Mbps, you can achieve throughput in the range of 460Mbps with this being a part of the Google Wi-Fi setup. This further translates into 5GHz speeds of around 300Mbps. Therefore, it is better to pair this modem with ISP plans like Extreme and Ultimate from Xfinity, which offer a bandwidth of over 250Mbps.

Coming to the cable networking tech, the CM3024 exhibits DOCSIS 3.0, with 24 x 8 channel bonding support allowing you to use ISP bandwidth even more efficiently. 

Ports & Connectivity

The CM3024 offers a standard Gig ethernet port that allows you to either connect the modem with the mesh router or to the concerned device, for getting access to the Gig-level speeds.

Design & Build

The towering design associated with this product is aesthetic and portable. Plus, it only weighs a mere 1 pound, with dimensions set at 8.03 x 6.97 x 1.77 inches. However, unlike the Motorola counterparts, Linksys assumes a more rectangular form factor with sharp edges and a glossy form factor.

Hardware & Performance

The Intel Puma chipset is quite capable of cutting through congestion and maximizing usage. However, if you are a professional gamer, the evident latency might be a great sight to behold. Still, the promising internal setup ensures backward compatibility across DOCSIS 2.0 devices.

Conclusion

Overall, if you seek a dependable modem for your mesh routing setup, the Linksys CM3024 can be worth looking at, more so due to its GUI, browser-based interface, and four dual-colored indicative lights.

6. Best for Low-Tier Plans: MOTOROLA MB7420

The final product on the list, i.e., the MOTOROLA MB7420, exceeds expectations, courtesy of the pocket-friendly price tag and an adequate number of downstream and upstream channels. Also, if you want to compare options here, the MB7420 fares better than the MB7220, when maximum speeds are concerned.

Speed & Channel Bonding

This modem is good enough for internet plans up to 300Mbps, irrespective of the cable ISP you choose to go with. However, the maximum cumulative speeds when connected to the Google Wi-Fi, are capped at 686Mbps.

Also, the DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 16 x 4 channel bonding support makes good use of the ISP allocated bandwidth and ensures consistent speeds.

Ports & Connectivity

There is only one Gig ethernet slot to work with, which connects to the WAN port of the mesh router. Also, there are 5 indicative LEDs in the front to report the status of the wired and even wireless connections.

Design & Build

Motorola ensures that this black and rugged modem remains on the lighter side at 0.6 pounds. The perfectly ventilated modem measures 6.1 x 4.9 x 2 inches when it comes to dimensions, which is at par with most user expectations.

Hardware & Performance

The MB7420 features a standard Broadcom chipset, which ensures lag-free streaming, congestion-free connections, and the ability of this device to be more energy-efficient, courtesy of the full-band tuner.

Conclusion

Motorola MB7420 is one of the best modems on the list, especially if you are looking for a device to handle low-tier internet plans. However, it is the seamless and intuitive web interface that makes it an extremely balanced budget modem.

Frquently Asked Questions

Verdict

Google Wi-Fi is an excellent mesh router to have, provided you have a reliable modem to pair it up with. But then, not every modem is up to the snuff, and here are some of the handpicked selections from the aforementioned list to make networking fun and productive, all at the same time.

• If you are interested in faster internet connections, especially gig plans, the Netgear CM1100 is the perfect modem to consider.
• For mid-range internet plans, the Netgear CM700 is one of the more dependable modems to pair with Google Nest or Google Wi-Fi.
• Lastly, if you are seeking a low-tier internet plan, irrespective of the ISP, the MOTOROLA MB7420 is one modem that readily earns its keep.

But then, you can take any other pick from the mentioned list, depending on how it suits your budget, tech preferences, and even the structural requirements.