10 Best Modems For Cox [Highly Compatible and Approved]

Service providers like Cox often provide underpowered and outdated internet equipment, that’s why despite being on the fastest internet plan, you end up facing connectivity & speed issues. Experiencing it already? Well, you shall get rid of the internet equipment lease and replace it with a reliable modem and router.

The slow internet speed hurts? But do you know what hurts even more? Paying $10/month as a rental for such outdated equipment. To be honest, if you spend even half of the yearly lease i.e. $60 and own the equipment. It also means that you’ll never pay equipment rental (at least for 2-3 years.)

For subscriber retention purpose, Cox also provides free speed upgrades once in a while and to be able to take benefit of it, you might want a modem/router that has download & upload speeds above the plan. Since, you don’t want to upgrade your equipment very often, you shall consider getting the equipment that’s future proof.

Buying vs Renting

Spoiler Alert: Always consider buying over renting!

Even the best internet service providers don’t provide the latest modems/routers or internet equipment. A few of them deliberately provide slow modems to control the network bandwidth and when you call their support, all they say is “Our systems are working fine.“

A few reasons why buying is better than renting the equipment:

1. You get to OWN the modem/router at the cost of half-years rental.
2. Buy it once and save rent for 2-3 years (even more in some cases) which is almost $100-140/year.
3. No more using outdated equipment (Higher speed, better security.)
4. If you shift to a different ISP, you could still use the equipment if it’s compatible with them.
5. Better speeds & coverage.

Can buying a modem have any disadvantages? (Yes, but not major)

1. You’ll have to pay 6-8 months of rental at ONCE.
2. If you’re not buying a modem/router combo, you’ll also have to buy a Wireless Router (which could cost $100-200 extra for good quality.)
3. If you shift to a different ISP in future and the modem isn’t compatible with them, then you’ll need to rent one or buy a new one (You can sell the current equipment for a good price, though.)

Buying a modem/router not only saves you huge amount in a long term, but also provides you a peace of mind by having better speeds, coverage, and security. Also, since you’ll be buying the approved models, you can also take help of customer support (if you face any issues.)

10 Best Cox Compatible Modems

Now that you know the advantages of buying a modem/router over renting, you surely must be looking for a reliable model. Don’t worry, just like we helped you figure out buying provides a better return on investment than renting, we’ll also help you find the perfect equipment for your internet connectivity needs.

1. Best Modem For Cox: Netgear CM1000

Are you a Cox Gigablast user? In that case, you must be looking for a modem based on DOCSIS 3.1 technology that is capable of handling gigabit speeds.

Although it’s a bit costly in terms of pricing, the seamless performance is one of the major reasons why it’s ranked #1 on our list. Also, not to forget that you’ll have to buy a separate wireless router to pair with it.

The Netgear CM1000 is one of the best Cox approved Modem for every user looking for the best Internet speed. This modem is known to be the very first introduced by the brand that supports the DOCSIS 3.1 technology.

The design is exclusive and stands out from many modems you may have come across. For better understanding, you can look at the indicator panel on the front with green LEDs.

On the back, the structure is rather very simple. You have one LAN port that will connect to your modem. Below that, you have the cable port that will give you the COX connection. Then you have the on/off button and also the adapter cord that will give power to the modem.

The most significant advantage of having a DOCSIS 3.1 upgrade is that it can provide a speed up-to 10Gbps. If you are hoping to get a good internet connection speed, you need to have the latest DOCSIS technology.

Furthermore, CM1000 supports channel bonding of 32×8 with an upstream speed of about 1.2Gbps and a downstream speed of 304 Mbps. Connecting it with Cox cable will give the best output at the most 1Gbps or even more.

But you may not find this excellent speed every year. Still, users have found it to be satisfactory enough. Even if you feel there is any drop in connection speed, the modem still works pretty well and compensates for the effect overall.

The only issue that you can face is the fact that DOCSIS 3.1 is not compatible with every area or cable service. So unless everyone makes their service compatible you may have limited options only in the long run.

2. MOTOROLA MG7540

The Motorola MG7540 is an excellent choice when it comes to selecting Cox Approved modems. This cable modem has a built-in AC1600 Dual Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) WiFi Gigabit Router that will save you loads of money. It has a rather beautiful design with a front panel provided with LED indicators.

On the back panel, you will find 4 Ethernet ports useful for connecting to multiple devices such as PC, Gaming consoles, printers, etc.

Since you no longer will need a separate router you can space loads of space and also money on renting or buying a separate device for internet connection. As compared to the Netgear modem this does not support the DOCSIS 3.1 technology but is capable of providing a maximum download speed of 375 Mbps. 

Furthermore, if your cable service has good speed, you can even reach a max wifi speed of about 1.6Gbps. With the support of DFS frequencies, this modem eliminates any interferences that may come on the way. 

Furthermore, AnyBeam helps to focus the frequencies directly at the wireless devices such that the signal strength remains perfect for every device. Also, MG7540 is capable of setting up a guest network such that you can reduce the load on your private network and also benefit those who wish to use the connection.

3. ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is one of the best modems for Cox and the most popular device introduced by the brand. This is yet another excellent option that provides ultra-HD 4K video qualities and will provide buffer-free streaming of online videos.

As claimed, the modem expects to provide a max of 10Gbps of download speed. During extensive usage and testing, you may get at least around 2Gbps of speed depending on your Internet plan.

It is a DOCSIS 3.1 technology compatible modem being offered by cable providers. Furthermore, it supports 32 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels that is the reason SB8200 gives such incredible bandwidth and internet speed.

On the back panel, you will find 2 ethernet ports giving you the power to create two separate home networks. Moreover, the set-up is very easy and will not be taking more than five minutes of your time.

Also, you may not find a combo of the router with this modem so you need to spend more money to buy one to set up your internet connection. The overall cost may increase but it is incredible and worth the money if you love the brand.

4. ARRIS Surfboard SBG10

We have another excellent modem router combo by Arris among the top products that Approved by Cox Internet providers. It has similar features to what we have seen in the device designed by Motorola.

This modem eliminates total cost on the rental fees and also you need not buy any other device. Hence, the overall cost for this device is justified and worth it.

ARRIS Surfboard SBG10 supports 16 download and 4 upload channels that will maximize the Cable ISP service offerings. For homes that have very few devices to manage or a smaller area to cover, this could work very well and give you the speed you have opted for.

In our tests it COX, the modem was able to touch the speed to a max of about 560Mbps. We tested on a wired connection and it was able to provide speed upto 600 Mbps as promised by the maker.

On the back panel, it has not one but 2 – 1 Gbps Ethernet ports that you can use to connect to external devices such as gaming consoles, laptops, PC’s, etc. In fact, you will experience an excellent wireless connection on your smartphones and other devices with the best in class and ultra-speed.

Well, it has everything you need for your Cox Internet connection with the absence of the phone line.

5. TP Link TC W7960

This TP Link device is a powerful combination of modem plus a router that saves a huge amount of money in renting two separate devices. If you are hoping to get a Cox cable connection, this may be the best option you can hope to get. It is a certified and Cox approved Modem that many users have bought for their internet connection.

It is easy to set up the device and you will need the least space since only a single device covers up all the purposes. With the support of 8 upstream and 4 downstream channel bonding, you can achieve enhanced bandwidth and fast wifi speed.

Though it does not include the Docsis 3.1 technology you still have the access to DOCSIS 3.0 technology. This in combination with the channel bonding you can achieve maximum throughput.

On the back panel, you have four ethernet ports that will allow you to connect to multiple devices including PC, Gaming Console, Printers, and other devices as well. Each port has the maximum speed of 1Gbps speed to every device it is connected to.

Another important aspect of this modem is that you can easily create a guest network for other users and you need to share the password of your network to others.

6. NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000

The Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is a mid-range product with features very similar to what we have come across on all the above best options when it comes to speed. It isn’t the most unpriced product but you can afford it considering it also has a built-in WiFi router. Apart from being approved by the Cox Internet provider, some other connections that it works with are Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, etc.

If you have a good internet plan it is going to work with a max speed of around 400Mbps which is incredible. It is applicable to every major internet service provider. In fact, for major wifi wireless connection, the speed goes up to as high as 1.9 Gbps. This makes it excellent for streaming videos, playing online games, downloading movies on the web.

This modem wifi router covers over 1800 sq ft. of the area all-around your house and is capable of connecting over 30 devices at once. If you are worried about the decrease in speed, well, the dual-band minimizes the interference and switches providing maximum speed to every device connected.

The design is pretty unique as well and the antennas help to amplify signal strength. Furthermore, range boosting beamforming technology also does the job quite well in every sense.

As you may have noticed the back panel has four 1 Gigabyte each ethernet ports which you can use to connect to your computer system, gaming consoles, and other devices for ultra-fast internet speed. Unlike other modems, you can finally make use of the two USB ports to connect any storage media.

7. NETGEAR C3000 100NAS N300

The Netgear C3000 is a Cox Approved Modem that comes with a built-in router as well. We loved the design and you would too. The front panel has been categorized properly with LED indicators and has symbols on the side to help you understand the indications.

Furthermore, the stand makes it easier to fix any place you want to put it and take very less space. Since it’s a router/modem combo, you won’t have to buy a router.

Moving on, the back panel consists of 2 Ethernet ports where you can connect your PC or any gaming console together for the fastest internet connection. Also, there is a single USB port to get connected with the storage device.

It supports DOCSIS 3.0 it works 8x faster than the earlier version DOCSIS 2.0 with a max download speed of 340 Mbps.

It is super easy to install and would not take more than a few minutes. Simply take up a good internet plan so that you can take full advantage. Using the router, you can get the WiFi speed up-to 1.6Gbps for streaming and playing games online without any interruption.

Furthermore, you can also create a guest network to reduce the load on your private network. The modem has a genie app where you can also apply parental controls for children. The Genie app is compatible on all platforms.

8. NETGEAR Cable Modem CM400

The Netgear CM400 is a for a single person use cable modem perfect fit for Cox Internet provider. It is compatible with some of the major cable internet providers such as Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, etc.

Furthermore, it is highly affordable and very cheap. You can save yourself from paying huge rental fees for the modem provided by the service providers. Since there isn’t any built-in router you can buy one separately.

For excellent internet speed, this modem supports 8 downstream and 4 upstream channel bonding. These reduce any interference and enhance the speed of the bandwidth for much better speed.

In fact, it is compatible with any wifi router and you simply plug-in on the ethernet port at the back of the modem. Also, setting up the device is even easier that includes very simple steps.

As we tested the max download speed you will receive from this modem is about 100Mbps and through the ethernet port, you can receive around 1 Gbps.

This device is especially for those looking for a small range connection and confined to a few devices around the house. Adding a good router works well since you are already saving loads of money on the modem.

9. ARRIS SURFboard SB6121

If you are looking for some very cheap and smaller options, well you can go for the Cox Approved Modem by Arris. The ARRIS SB6121 is an affordable and low priced product that is perfect if you have a small place where you live and a limited number of devices that will need connection. In fact, this modem has better download speed than multiple high priced products.

To increase bandwidth and better connection, this device has 4 upstream and 4 downstream channel bonding. With a download speed of about 172 Mbps and upload speed of max 131 Mbps, you can easily download video and stream movies in decent video quality. It supports major internet cable providers but no longer supports Xfinity by Comcast.

This modem supports the excellent DOCSIS 3.0 technology for good internet speed and throughput. In this small device, it has a lot more to offer than any other device that is a lot more costly than this. You can also buy the best router and enjoy browsing on the web with ease.

As we spoke about how it is perfect for a limited number of devices, which is why any overload point the number of devices may slow down the speed and even create a lag.

10. Cisco Cable Modem DPC3008

The Cisco DPC3008 is yet another superb and amazing modem that is highly affordable for all those having a tight budget. This modem provides basic internet speed with a max download speed of around 300Mbps which is on average a good number.

It supports DOCSIS 3.0 technology which is around 8 times faster than the previous versions. In fact, it also supports the older versions i.e. DOCSIS and EuroDOCSIS 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0 networks.

The channel bonding of 8 downstream and 4 upstream channels tends to increase the bandwidth on a decent level. It does fit the issue of paying monthly rental fees every month which is a lot more than the total cost of this modem.

Apart from Cox, it is also compatible with Xfinity/Comcast, Spectrum, ATT, TWC, Cox, and Most Internet Providers.

On the back panel, you will find a single ethernet or LAN port which will connect to the router. It has the max speed of 1Gbps through the port. Cisco is also known for its good customer support and will help you solve your queries. Moreover, it is very easy to set up this device and connect instantly with the wifi.

Verdict

Whether you are on the fastest internet plan from Cox or on a slow-speed plan, our list includes models for all sorts of plans. The models listed in the top are among the best-rated ones and are suitable for fast-speeds.

If you need equipment for slow speed internet plans from Cox, then you shall check the models listed between 7-10. However, the speeds are going to rise in the future and just like said above you’re like to upgrade your speed in 2 years. You surely wouldn’t want to buy equipment then? So it’s suggested to consider a modem from the top 5 unless your budget is very limited.