9 Best Cable Modems in 2023 [After 3 Months of Intensive Research]

Previously, I published an article on bad-quality modems, which got great traction. Many of its readers reached out to me asking about the best modems available in the market for different purposes and budget ranges. So, here we go!

If you’re setting up the internet for the first time or looking to upgrade your current connection, getting a high-speed cable modem is crucial. It will help you eliminate speed issues, signal drops, and monthly equipment rental, and it will also help future-proof your home network.

But you can’t pick any best-rated cable modems and expect them to work with your internet connection. Compatibility with the internet provider is an important factor when getting a cable modem or a gateway. That’s why I’ve included the compatible ISPs for every modem reviewed.

I’ve also created a list of reliable modems for different internet providers (after testing with different plans) here:

The 9 Best Cable Modems of 2023

To determine the basis of my list, each option listed here is reviewed separately in detail. It took around 3 months to test all of them, and finally, here with my top picks. I considered actual speeds & throughput, DOCSIS technology, channel bonding, ISP compatibility, and many other factors while qualifying these models.

Whether you’re looking for a premium offering, a budget option, one with a phone jack, or routing capabilities, the list has got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dig in!

1. Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem: ARRIS Surfboard S33

It’s ranked #1 in my list of best DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Due to the exceptional performance, and impressive specs, it’s also the #1 ranked gaming modem.

In my opinion, the Arris S33 is the best available modem in 2023. Laid with the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, it delivers the fastest speeds with most Internet providers. It’s much easier to set up, and two high-speed Ethernet ports give you a multi-gig experience for tasks like gaming, 4K streaming, and more.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Like me, if you are on the highest plan, a gigabit or higher, then DOCSIS 3.1 standard is the way to go. With 2×2 DOCSIS 3.1 channels and 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 channels support up to 3.5 Gbps of service packages. It, therefore, future-proofs your internet connection to handle these speeds when available.

On the other hand, it can function as a top-tier DOCSIS 3.0 modem, so it’s also an ideal device if you have download speeds of 400 Mbps or lower. But there’s no point in purchasing an expensive device if your speeds are less than 200 Mbps.

I tested it with the Xfinity Gigabit plan and received up to 850 Mbps and 150 Mbps download and upload speeds, respectively. So, the speeds were great for performing graphics-intensive activities like hardcore online gaming and streaming in 4K.

Ports & Connectivity

The cable modem features two multi-gig Ethernet ports on its rear side, one 2.5 Gbps and the other 1 Gbps. And with link aggregation support, you can bond both ports using software to achieve gigabytes of internet speeds, provided you have a compatible internet connection.

Design & Build

With 5.14 x 1.8 x 4.74 inches of dimensions, the S33 boasts a compact and sleek design, an upgrade over its previously offered squarish-shaped devices. It weighs merely 0.90 lbs, and its rounded corners seem much like decors. You can keep it anywhere, and thanks to its vertical orientation, it barely takes up any space on your desk.

Hardware & Performance

The S33, courtesy of 1GB RAM and 256MB NAND memory, can manage traffic much better, process everything faster than other modems, and offers consistent speeds. Also, the device comes with 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support, which further boosts the network performance by establishing separate modulating subcarriers and eliminating network congestion.

This makes it suitable for people using high-speed plans, running large offices, or performing data-intensive activities like 4K streaming, online gaming, and downloading large files in seconds.

Conclusion

Aris S33 is a solid DOCSIS 3.1 modem compatible with most ISPs and their faster plans, thanks to its 2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps ethernet ports. And its high RAM and NAND memory means there’ll be no lags or latencies due to increased network congestion.

Compared to its predecessor, Arris SB8200, it’s a major upgrade in terms of the speeds it offers and ethernet ports. Want to know the differences and similarities between the S33 and SB8200? I’ve compared both devices side by side in a different blog post.

2. Best Modem Router Combo: Motorola MT8733

Do you want similar features as above but with built-in routing capabilities? Consider the Motorola MT8733 premium combo device!

If purchasing a stand-alone cable modem is not an option for you, and you use many devices simultaneously, Motorola MT8733 is a one-stop solution. With DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 channels, and multiple ethernet ports, you can experience up to 2.5 Gbps speed. MT8733 is a significant upgrade from Motorola MG8725 regarding speed, compatibility, and ports.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Like any DOCSIS 3.1 device, it can deliver faster speeds and lets you perform network-intensive tasks like streaming UHD videos, playing high-end games, and more. Besides, it’s backward compatible with entry-level internet plans ranging from 400-800 Mbps.

What makes it unique from the rest of this list is a built-in dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. It further includes range boost, power boost, and WiFi Beamforming that lets you connect with multiple devices without lag. Plus, it’s one of the first models to get a Low Latency DOCSIS (LLD) certification, so say goodbye to latency when streaming, gaming, and conferencing.

I tested this modem/router combo with Xfinity’s Gigabit plan and received respective 1 Gbps and 200 Mbps download and upload speeds when connected directly. While connecting wirelessly on more than 20 devices simultaneously delivered speeds up to 700 Mbps and 100 Mbps for downloads and uploads, respectively.

Ports & Connectivity

This ultra-fast combo device comes with 4 high-speed Ethernet ports (1 x 2.5 Gig Ethernet port, 3 x Gig Ethernet ports). So, you can connect at least three devices simultaneously and experience gigabit internet. Nevertheless, if you have a big house and use multiple devices simultaneously, connect to the WiFi to enjoy a seamless user experience.

Design & Build

With a dimension of 8.8” H x 5.7” D x 3.5” W and weighing 32 ounces, it’s one sleek and small combo, and its matt-black finish delivers a premium look. There’s a horizontal panel with switches to toggle between various modes and turn the device on or off.

And the ports, including two phone ports, are on its rear, through which you can connect a landline phone to a modem.

Hardware & Performance

The cable modem/router combo comes with a 4×4 MIMO support, with four dual-band antennas that amplify the signal strength when wirelessly connected. Plus, there’s an OFDMA that works to decrease network congestion and allows signals to transmit faster to target devices. This, in turn, results in reduced latency, frequency reuse, and increased efficiency.

Conclusion

So, overall, MT8733 is the best WiFi 6 modem router combo on the market. You get everything one might look for in a quality networking device. You can experience high speeds on multiple devices without any latencies or network drops.

However, being an expensive option and offering a tad less speed than the previous option i.e Arris S33, it’s ranked second on my list.

3. Best Value for Money: ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

Do you need a high-end modem at a reasonable price? You can’t go wrong with the Arris SB8200!

Arris SB8200 is one of the top modems on the market, and for all the right reasons. It’s amongst the few options to support both DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 traffic, which allows you to achieve the fastest download speed your ISP offers. And compared to its predecessor, Arris SB6183, it offers superior technology, greater speeds, and more ports.

Why is it a suitable choice?

DOCSIS 3.1 is a significant upgrade over DOCSIS 3.0, which offers one of the most reliable, fastest, and highly efficient internet speeds. Also, with port bonding support, the unit supports up to 2000 Mbps internet plans, but I didn’t receive such high speeds due to not having access to such an internet plan.

To determine the actual speeds, I tested it with Cox’s Gigabit plan, where I achieved download and upload speeds up to 850 Mbps and 200 Mbps, respectively. So, the device lets me stream 4K videos, play VR games, and host video calls without lag.

Ports & Connectivity

With two Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can establish a wired connection with two devices simultaneously for faster connections. And it eliminates the routing facilities to some extent. The unit further supports Link Aggregation, which enables you to experience multi-gigs of speeds, provided you have a suitable plan.

Design & Build

The strategically-designed device boasts a classy look with dimensions tagged at 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches. Covered with a white plastic case with a matte finish gives it a premium look. Plus, its rounded edges and vertical orientation make it easily accommodate, but its 2-pound chassis takes it a tad on the heavier side.

The thing that I loved about its design is it places the heat-dissipating vents strategically to keep the device cool, even during prolonged use.

Hardware & Performance

SB8200 ditches an Intel chipset for a Broadcom processor that works in tandem with 3GB RAM. It eliminates traffic and network congestion and delivers lag-free internet. Adding to it is a 128MB flash memory that easily stores network configurations and updates. This processing setup enables IPv6 support to boost your browsing performance massively.

Conclusion

Arris SB8200 is a value buy with higher speeds and a reliable processing setup. After working with it for more than two months, I feel that major businesses, professional gamers, and IT firms should benefit from using this device. But with lesser speeds than my previous recommendations and no-routing support, I ranked this product in the third position.

For more details, check out my in-depth Arris SB8200 review.

4. Best Cable Modem with Voice: Netgear CM1150V

Netgear CM1150V best suits medium-sized environments and is designed to deliver gigabit speeds, and the best call clarity one expects from the Xfinity internet plans. It also comes with a pair of phone line ports for those who want to stick with Comcast’s voice services. The CM1150V is similar to the company’s CM1100 but with telephone ports.

Why is it a suitable choice?

It’s worth noting that, although the modem is supported by most ISPs for internet services, voice support is made exclusively for Comcast Xfinity users.

As tested by me on Xfinity’s Gigabit plan, the download and upload speeds were 750 Mbps and 150 Mbps, respectively. The speeds suit people looking to use gigabit speeds in their workspace or play high-end games.

Ports & Connectivity

On the rear side of CM1150V, there are four Ethernet ports, a coaxial cable connection, and two phone jacks. It somewhat eliminates the need for routing support but limits network expansion. With a pair of telephone ports, you can prioritize voice control services like call forwarding, three-way conference calls, basic caller ID, and others.

Design & Build

Standing upright, the device measures 6.1 x 10.3 x 3.4 inches. It doesn’t flaunt a classy or elegant look, except covered with various texturized holes. Most indentations on the surface are there for decorative purposes, but many serve the purpose of dissipating heat and keeping the device cool.

Apart from that, you’ll find a row of high-contrast LED lights depicting when the system is working or if there’s any issue. In short, these icons are pretty instructive.

Hardware & Performance

Concerning performance, this cable modem features 256 MB RAM added up with a 128 MB NAND flash that stores necessary information to process them quickly, thereby boosting overall efficiency. Apart from that, it also helps eliminate potential network congestion and delivers faster speeds.

Conclusion

Overall, CM1150V is one of the top-rated voice-supported modems for home or office setups. With DOCSIS 3.1 support, you can easily experience gigabits of speed and connect 4-5 devices with the Ethernet ports. However, its incompatibility with many ISPs and lesser speed output takes it to such a position on the list.

5. Best For Gaming: Motorola MB8600

Do you want to experience low-ping gaming? Get the Motorola MB8600 with AQM (Active Queue Management) support!

With the right balance of aesthetics and speeds, Motorola MB8600 is a gaming-friendly modem that supports multi-gig internet connections and seamless connectivity. Compared to its predecessor, it puts additional elements to the table, like multiple Gig Ethernet ports and AQM to deliver lag-free internet.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Concerning its speed and throughput, you’ll experience up to gigabits of speeds courtesy of DOCSIS 3.1 support. While with respective 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels, it’s also backward compatible, so you’re sure to get excellent throughput and faster connection.

I tested MB8600 with similar Gig plans of two ISPs, Comcast and Spectrum, separately and experienced download and upload speeds up to 930 Mbps and 150 Mbps, respectively. The speeds are sufficient for an office setup and an unhindered online streaming and gaming experience.

Ports & Connectivity

Motorola doesn’t get too enthusiastic about offering multiple Ethernet ports, and there’s only one Ethernet port on the rear side. So, if your primary purpose is using high-speed internet on multiple devices simultaneously, pairing it with a router is the only solution. Nevertheless, the 1 Gig Ethernet port can handle network-intensive tasks.

Concerning cumulative throughput, this port supports Link aggregation, which lets you experience speeds up to 1Gbps. Besides, auto MDI/MDIX support ensures accurate and steady wired connections.

Design & Build

Concerning design, you’ve got a sturdy and durable cable modem with dimensions reading 7.88 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches. And weighing only 1.15 pounds, you’ve got a lighter device.

There’re five lights in the front, one for power, one for internet access, two for upstream and downstream channels, and another for LAN connection. It’s indeed an instructive design, but the lights are very bright, so you can’t imagine sleeping in the same room as the modem. Overall, at this price, the design is up to the mark.

Hardware & Performance

Bolstering a reliable and powerful Broadcom processor, there’s absolute surety of eliminating any network congestion. It’s further supported by 512MB RAM and 128MB NAND storage by storing network configuration details.

Aside from that, there’s AQM support to ensure a latency-free browsing experience, followed by full-band digital tuning and IPv6 compatibility. So, provided the right ISP is in place, you can access up to 1Gbps in download speed to stream and download 4K videos and play high-end online games without any network slowdown.

Conclusion

As far as the performance goes, MB8600 is one of the fastest cable modems. It’s highly reliable, especially if there’s a need for greater wired efficiency and support for futuristic internet speeds. Although more ethernet slots and QoS support would’ve been great, the device is still great for gaming and streaming.

6. Best Gigabit Modem: Netgear CM1000

Netgear is a top-notch brand regarding the quality networking products they offer, and its Netgear CM1000 is a step ahead in terms of future-proof Gigabit cable modems. The company has leaped in terms of DOCSIS support, speed, and overall performance from its previous product, CM700. And this featured-packed device is available at a pocket-friendly price.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Netgear CM1000 features DOCSIS 3.1, upgraded from DOCSIS 3.0, which supports speeds up to 10 Gbps at most. This is mainly because it can support QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) of up to 4096 and uses channels between 20-50kHz, compared to 8MHz in the 3.0.

Netgear supports 32 x 8 channel bonding, with advertised download and upload speeds up to 1.2 Gbps and 304 Mbps. While testing the 1 Gbps plan Cox, I was pleasantly surprised with how this device performs. The maximum download and upload speeds were 964 Mbps and 60 Mbps, respectively.

The speeds were similar to my previous recommendation, Motorola MB8600; however, while the latter was more consistent, the Netgear model had occasional dips. Despite that, I could stream 4K videos and play games like Valorant, Fortnite, and others with minimum latency.

Ports & Connectivity

There’s only a single gigabit Ethernet port, so you have to rely on routers to connect with multiple devices. However, if there’s only one device to connect, plug it into the port and experience the plan to the fullest.

Design & Build

CM1000 takes the vertical form with dimensions tagged at 8.8 x 3.5 x 5.9 inches. Besides, it’s amongst the few perfectly-ventilated networking devices with a base stand. This modem is encased in hardened black plastic with a matt finish, weighing less than a pound. Also, five LEDs indicate network conditions.

Hardware & Performance

Driving a 1 Gig modem is the task of a multi-gig processor. Although nothing’s been mentioned by Netgear, you can expect an efficient chipset to be at task along with a 512 MB RAM. And with 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA support, it qualifies as one of the highly-rated DOCSIS 3.1 modems out there.

Besides, there’s a built-in QoS that enhances the wireless capabilities of the router connected to the modem.

Conclusion

Netgear CM1000 is a highly resourceful modem for Gig internet with upgraded DOCSIS standard, multi-gigabit Ethernet port, and fast speed. And its budget-friendly price adds a cherry on top. However, limitations like occasional network drops and fewer features compared to Motorola MB8600 take this modem down the list.

To learn more, read my dedicated review of the Netgear CM1000.

7. Best Budget Modem/Router Combo: Motorola MT7711

Presenting to you yet another modem-router combo by Motorola, designed to deliver high speeds for your office or home network. So, if you don’t want to spend extra on a router. With two telephone ports, smart QoS, and many other features, the MT7711 is a major upgrade over the Motorola MG7700 that I reviewed recently.

Why is it a suitable choice?

MT7711 features an inferior DOCSIS 3.0, led by 24 x 8 channel bonding. So, you can attain a maximum of 1000 Mbps and 246 Mbps download and upload speeds, respectively. The built-in router has dual-band Wi-Fi 5 support, whose speeds translate up to 1300 Mbps and 600 Mbps for 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands.

I tested the device by connecting the devices wired and wirelessly. One thing to note here is that you’ll experience greater speeds in a wired connection due to uninterrupted data flow, which isn’t the case with a wireless connection. So, the respective download and upload speed with Xfinity’s gigabit plan was 850 Mbps and 70 Mbps.

On the other hand, band-wise speeds for 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands were 600 Mbps and 47 Mbps, respectively. The speeds (wired or wireless) were sufficient to fulfill my desired purpose of running my workspace of 10 people without experiencing any internet lags.

Ports & Connectivity

Motorola hasn’t made any adjustments in terms of port offerings, as there are in Netgear CM1000. With four LAN ports, you can connect with four devices simultaneously to experience greater speeds. Also, there are two Telephone ports to which you can connect to enjoy various services like call forwarding, conference calling, caller ID, and others.

Design & Build

Like most models on my list, it features a vertical build and an ergonomic design with blackish and grayish undertones.  Its exterior cover is made of hardened plastic, and thanks to several vents, it hardly overheats, despite working for hours. Besides, it has a comparatively sleek design with dimensions of 2.25 x 8.25 x 9 inches and weighing 1.80 pounds.

Hardware & Performance

Although there’s no mention of Motorola’s processor in this one, you can be sure that it’s not inferior. There were no lags or latencies when I used the device and added 256MB RAM and 128 NAND memory; there was a boost in its overall performance.

Plus, traits like Smart QoS functionality and 3 x 3 MIMO compatibility add a performance boost to the device, and you can connect with 10-15 devices simultaneously within an area of up to 2000 Sq Ft.

Conclusion

If you want a reliable modem-router combo with a calling facility and don’t want to spend much, MT7711 is the way to go. Its multiple ports plus decent coverage and speed inherently justify its price tag.  However, its limited ISP compatibility takes away some points from it and pushes it down to the seventh position.

Suggested Read: Motorola MT7711 Review

8. Best For 400 Mbps: Netgear CM500

Netgear CM500 is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that works for major cable providers and eliminates the need to pay a monthly rental fee for the service provider’s modem. It supports internet plans of up to 680 Mbps which might be suitable for handling most network-intensive tasks like streaming, video conferencing, etc.

Why is it a suitable choice?

With DOCSIS 3.0 added up with 16 x 4 downstream and upstream bonded channels, theoretically, it supports speeds up to 680 Mbps. But it rarely matched the real-time speeds of 300 Mbps for downloads and 50 Mbps for uploads with the Xfinity Performance Pro plan. I’d recommend this modem for anyone who has a plan between 350-500 Mbps

Despite offering much lower speeds than other models, it can still handle higher speeds and bandwidth-hogging tasks like VR gaming, UHD video streaming, and lag-free video conferencing.

Ports & Connectivity

With a single Gigabit Ethernet port, you can’t multitask but can pair it with any standard router to connect with ten devices simultaneously and experience a fair browsing experience. Also, with IPv6 support, the device removes triangular routing, in which data sent to a device must pass through the main grid. This, in turn, enhances the overall efficiency of the device.

Design & Build

The CM500 is a slender and sleek device with dimensions reading 4.88 x 7.28 x 2.36 inches and weighing merely 1.46 pounds. It complements your classy or modern-looking room and other expensive networking equipment.

However, I found certain limitations in its overall build and design. One is that it’s not properly ventilated, and the other, covered with shiny black plastic, attracts dust and dirt easily.

Hardware & Performance

You’ve got 128 MB RAM which stores your all-important network data to process it faster and clears potential network congestion. The thing that’s different from other models is it comes with 8 MB NOR flash, which supports greater capability than NAND flash, and has better data retention ability.

Conclusion

If you want a budget cable modem to save some dollars from an ISP-rented modem, CM500 delivers great value for plans up to 600-700 Mbps. It’s viable for people with average setup and casual gaming. With inferior DOCSIS support, lesser speeds, and other features, it’s ranked at the bottom of my list.

To learn more about it, do read my detailed review of the Netgear CM500.

9. Best For 250 Mbps: Motorola MB7420

If you’re a student or a professional working from home, who needs an entry-level modem to attain decent speeds with an existing Internet plan, Motorola MB7420 is a viable pick. Despite being a 16-channel modem, it’s one of the reliable and budget-friendly options that offers lag-free speeds and pairs with most routers out there.

It is twice as fast as my previously-tested model, MB7220. There are no noticeable lags or latencies, and my brother can watch UHD Netflix videos without buffering.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Its performance can be attributed to its DOCSIS 3.0 support and 16×4 channel bonding. As per the manufacturer, this unit supports respective download and upload speeds of 686 Mbps and 123 Mbps. Also, it’s backward compatible, so you can even run the lowest-speed internet plans on it.

When I connected my laptop with Xfinity’s performance pro plan, I witnessed download and upload speeds around 303 Mbps and 26 Mbps, respectively. A 14ms ping was decent enough to stream 4K videos and run online games without lags. 

Ports & Connectivity

There’s only one Gigabit Ethernet LAN port along with a coaxial cable. So, if you need to work on multiple devices simultaneously, pair it with a router of your choice. Other than that, there’s a coaxial port on the rear panel, which we see in most devices.

Design & Build

With dimensions of 4.9 x 2 x 6.1 inches, it’s a compact model, and with a vertical build, you can keep it anywhere without taking much space. Plus, its side panel has numerous heat-dissipating panels to negate any chances of overheating.

Hardware & Performance

The manufacturer hasn’t shared explicit information regarding hardware features, including processor, RAM, and NAND memory. But, I experienced no visible lags or latencies when I tested this for almost a month, so it must have decent hardware.

Conclusion

Irrespective of not boasting high-end features, it’s one of the most reliable and efficient home modems that offer decent speed. Users can experience lag-free browsing and stream on multiple devices without any interruptions. However, being a downgrade concerning channel bonding, DOCSIS support, and others, it’s placed bottom of the list.

To learn more about a specific part, head over to the Motorola MB7420 review.

Things to Consider When Buying a Modem

When it comes to selecting the right modem for your internet plan, you have two choices: 1. Rent the ancient and basic cable modem from service providers, or 2. Purchase a quality cable modem from the market.

In this section, I’ll prepare a checklist you must follow to complete your quest to purchase the best cable modem.

• First and foremost, check if your selected router is whether your internet service provider approves it. The product description mentions the same; if not, call your service provider to check for validation.
• The next thing that’s important to check is your internet speed. If your internet plan offers speeds less than 300 Mbps, then an 8×4 channel modem is a viable choice, while if speeds are more than 1 gig, go for 32×8 channel modems.
• Check for the technology support, i.e., whether it’s DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1. It’s almost the end of the line for the former option, and with upgrades in internet plans, it will be rendered impractical. So, I’d recommend going for cable modems with DOCSIS 3.1 that supports speeds up to 10 Gbps.
• Many cable modems come with Intel Puma 6 chipsets with known network jitter and latency issues. The ones with Broadcomm processors are considered the best, so check before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Now that you’ve gone through reviews and the buyer’s guide, there might be no confusion regarding which one to go for. But before I wrap up this guide, I’d like to mention some of my personal favorites. Here they are:

• If you are looking for a modem with features like DOCSIS 3.1 support, backward compatibility, multiple Ethernet ports, compatibility with most ISPs, and offers the fastest speeds, then go for Arris Surfboard S33.
• If you’re looking to connect with multiple devices simultaneously, and don’t want to purchase a separate router to pair with the modem, then Motorola MT8733 is a viable option. With Wi-Fi 6 support and 2.4GHz & 5GHz bands, it is the best router/modem combo out there.
• If there’s a need for an entry-level cable modem that doesn’t cost much and offers decent speeds, Netgear CM500 is a valid choice.

I hope you can complete your quest for a good modem and perform all your tasks without lags or latencies. Tell me in the comments about which one you’ve gone for!