Are you still using the old standard telephone setup at your home or office? You must get a reliable modem or modem router combo for your VoIP setup. However, not all modems come with a phone jack. And that’s when it gets tricky.
Plus, you shouldn’t get a device just because it has a phone port. There are many other factors to consider when purchasing a Voice-capable modem. These include compatibility with ISP, supported internet plans, DOCSIS technology, channel bonding, number of ports, and hardware.
Despite knowing your way around a phone modem, you might still goof up and purchase a subpar device. To keep this at bay, I tested 21 models with different Internet + Voice bundle providers and recommended the top 5 picks for 2023:
- Best Multi-Gig: Netgear CM2050V
- Best For Gig Internet: ARRIS T25
- Best Modem Router Combo: Motorola MT7711
- Best with USB Ports: ARRIS SVG2482AC
- Best Budget: ARRIS SBV3202
5 Best Modems with Phone Jacks in 2023
While I myself tested 21 options as a part of this review marathon, I took the help of my parents, who still use the standard telephone at our old house for years. I took care of all technical aspects and got feedback from my non-techy parents regarding their overall experience. Finally, I qualified the 5 telephony modems for the job.
And while the list starts with a high-end model, I have ensured that mid-range and budget value picks are also incorporated along the way.
1. Best Multi-Gig VoIP Modem: Netgear CM2050V
- Ports: 2 x Voice + 1 x 2.5G Ethernet
- Compatible ISPs: Xfinity by Comcast
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Supported Internet Plans: Up to 2500 Mbps
- Modem-Router Combo: No
Netgear CM2050V is arguably the best cable modem with a phone jack. Compared with the CM1200, the CM2050V is a better bet, courtesy of the multi-gig 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. But despite being a premium device, it can only work with a single internet provider, i.e., Xfinity by Comcast.
Ports and Connectivity
Here is a modem that makes room for a multi-gig Ethernet port. And in addition to this high-speed resource, you also get access to two RJ11 ports to make the most of VoIP services. As far as ISP compatibility is concerned, the CM2050V works well with Xfinity voice and standard internet plans.
Coming to networking tech, this is one of the future-proof modems with DOCSIS 3.1 as the backbone. Adding to this is the 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA support for enhancing overall speeds. However, as per the existing internet plans, Netgear also supports 32 x 8 DOCSIS 3.0 precisely to help you achieve better throughput.
Also, you need to know that this is a standalone modem and doesn’t offer routing capabilities.
Design & Build
Coming to aesthetics, this black-colored modem is easily one of the better-looking options, courtesy of the manageable bulk of 1.09 pounds. The dimensions read 6.8 x 3.7 x 8.2 inches, making it moderately sleek and worth investing in. And yes, the device also boasts an extensive array of accurate LEDs to make your life easier.
Hardware & Performance
The multi-core chipset is resourceful, allowing you to scale beyond network congestion and interference easily. Complementing the same is 512MB of RAM, which helps you manage some of the more complex tasks like gaming, call forwarding, and conference calling.
Conclusion
Netgear CM2050V is one of the more resourceful cable modems that support phone connection and outpaces other products on the list, courtesy of the multi-gig port and enhancing features relevant to IP telephony.
For more detailed information, read my dedicated CM2050V review.
- 32 x 8 channel bonding support
- High-gain RJ-11 telephony ports
- DOCSIS 3.1 + Backward Compatible
- Well-ventilated design
- A 2.5G multi-gig port
- Pricey
- No multi-ISP compatibility
2. Best For Gig Internet + Voice: ARRIS Surfboard T25
Note: This modem comes with Intel Puma 7 processor, limiting its capabilities. However, I found no major issues while using it for 7 days. It’s much improved from the Intel Puma 6-powered modems.
- Ports: 2 x Voice + 2 x Gig Ethernet
- Compatible ISPs: Xfinity by Comcast
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Supported Internet Plans: Up to 1000 Mbps
- Modem-Router Combo: No
Well, if you are a gamer who even wants to shun the standard landline connection, Arris Surfboard T25 is the perfect option to pick. And if you have been using the likes of the Arris SBV3202, the T25 comes across as a better bet, courtesy of the higher peak speed and the latest DOCSIS technology.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surfboard T25 comes equipped with 2 Gig Ethernet ports, allowing you to set up wired connections with gaming consoles and PCs concurrently. Plus, two telephone ports are in play, allowing you to use Xfinity’s voice + internet bundle.
Coming to the networking technology driving this device, the DOCSIS 3.1 exudes futureproofing confidence. The backward compatibility with DOCSIS 3.0 technology and 32 x 8 channel bonding support are added to this. And if you are concerned about the speed limits, this modem allows you to use 1000 Mbps internet plans.
Design & Build
The T25 measures 11.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches, making it one of the sleekest options. However, it doesn’t go easy on the heft and assumes 2.25 pounds, to be exact. Also, this modem comes in black and offers a wide array of LEDs.
Hardware & Performance
The standard dual-core Intel Puma processor is not the most powerful; however, it gets compensated perfectly by a sizable chunk of RAM. And most importantly, this is one of the easiest modems to set up, courtesy of an interactive web interface.
Conclusion
The Arris T25 is a good DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a phone jack replete with two high-speed sports and two effective RJ11 connectors. And not to mention this modem is compatible with Gig-internet and voice plans from Xfinity, making it stand out from the rest.
And if you want to know something specific, read my full review of the Arris T25.
- Best suited for Gig ports
- DOCSIS 3.1 support
- Two high-speed ethernet ports
- Two proper phone jacks
- Bulkier than usual
- Works only with Xfinity
3. Best VoIP Modem Router Combo: Motorola MT7711
Don’t want the hassle of maintaining two different devices, i.e., a modem and a router? You’re better off purchasing a router modem combo.
- Ports: 2 x Voice + 4 x Gig Ethernet
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream Upstream Channels: 24 x 8
- Supported Internet Plans: Up to 800 Mbps
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
If you want to save some money on a standalone router, Motorola MT7711 is a fun 2-in-1 device to pick. And as compared to other combos like the MG7700, the MT7711 is a better pick, courtesy of the additional VoIP support.
Ports and Connectivity
The extensive set of ports, including the 4 Gig ethernet slots and two dedicated phone jacks, add to the credibility of this innovative modem-router combo. And it’s one of the few Comcast-approved modems you can pair with voice plans.
The modem part of the device assumes DOCSIS 3.0 networking technology followed by the 24 x 8 channel bonding support. And if you plan on pairing this with select internet plans, this device can be used to achieve peak speeds of up to 800Mbps.
The routing portion of the MT7711 ensures dual-band access, supporting 2.4GHz band speeds of up to 600Mbps and 5GHz band speeds of up to 1.3Gbps. Plus, you can still consider achieving Gigabit speeds if you pair this modem combo directly with gaming consoles via the ethernet ports, provided the ISP permits the same.
Design & Build
The MT7711 from Motorola weighs 1.90 pounds, assumes a vertical layout, and measures 8.25 x 2.25 x 9 inches. Plus, there are an adequate number of LEDs to let you know the network status.
Hardware & Performance
The Broadcom processor is fast and even protects you against DDoS attacks. Plus, the multi-core chipset opens doors for a power boost and beamforming support.
Conclusion
Modem router combos with phone jacks are hard to find. And Motorola MT7711 adds to the elusiveness by being one of the stand-out devices in the mentioned category, courtesy of the budget price module and 4 Gig ethernet ports.
For more details and specifics, check out the Motorola MT7711 review.
- Several ethernet ports
- One of the more secure devices
- DOCSIS 3.0 is fast
- Beamforming support
- Not a future-proof modem
- Far band speeds aren’t the best
4. Best with USB Ports: ARRIS Surfboard SVG2482AC
- Ports: 2 x Voice + 2 x Gig Ethernet + 2 x USB
- Compatible ISPs: Xfinity by Comcast
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream Upstream Channels: 24 x 8
- Supported Internet Plans: Up to 800 Mbps
- Modem-Router Combo: Yes
Arris Surfboard SVG2482AC wins the face-off hands down in terms of versatility. And while it appropriately fits in an adequate number of phone and ethernet ports, there are USB ports to help you move data across networks.
Also, if you have been using the SBV3202, the SVG2482AC is a better option, courtesy of the multiple port setup.
Ports and Connectivity
Coming back to the ports, this phone line modem-router combo paves the way for 4 Gig ethernet ports followed by 2 phone ports and two reliable USB ports. Adding to this is the multi-ISP internet compatibility, led by Xfinity’s voice and internet plans. Also, if you have a thing for speeds, this device can handle plans up to 800Mbps.
The DOCSIS 3.0 technology appears, followed by 24 x 8 channel bonding support. As far as wireless support and routing capabilities are concerned, Wireless AC is the featured technology, boasting cumulative speeds of up to 450Mbps and 1300Mbps, over far and near bands.
Design & Build
This modem router telephone combo weighs a manageable 1 pound and measures 2.25 x 8 x 9.4 inches. Plus, this device in white features a wide range of LEDs to help you keep track of the network conditions without breaking a sweat.
Hardware & Performance
A multi-core SoC is in play to drive this modem router with a phone port to perfection. Plus, it assumes a sizable chunk of RAM followed by a reliable storage module to help you with the firmware details.
Conclusion
Overall, the Arris SVG2482AC is an excellent voice telephone-enabled modem with efficient ports, especially the USB slots, to transfer data across devices. And this is exactly what separates it from other products on the list. And to top it all off, this combo works rather well with a responsive application that helps manage the network remotely.
- Two USB ports
- Features multiple ethernet ports
- Nifty telephone jacks
- Perfect for gaming
- Optional battery support is available
- Gig wireless speeds aren’t quite achievable
5. Best Budget Option: ARRIS Surfboard SBV3202
- Ports: 2 x Voice + 1 x Gig Ethernet
- Compatible ISPs: Xfinity by Comcast
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream Upstream Channels: 32 x 8
- Supported Internet Plans: Up to 800 Mbps
- Modem-Router Combo: No
While modem-router combos are excellent picks, Arris SBV3202 comes forth as an excellent option for the given price point. Also, as compared to the ever-reliable SBV2402, the SBV3202 seems like a better upgrade, courtesy of a higher number of downstream channels.
Ports and Connectivity
This phone and internet modem makes way for one Gig ethernet port followed by two highly efficient RJ11 ports. And while you can deploy this functionality to make use of VoIP attributes, this device can assume maximum internet speeds of up to 800Mbps.
As far as the networking technology is concerned, this phone jack modem exhibits DOCSIS 3.0 and 32 x 8 channel bonding support. Therefore, you can still use Gigabit internet and relevant Voice plans from Xfinity.
Design & Build
Coming to aesthetics, this modem sport a rectangular form factor with dimensions set at 7 x 2.2 x 9.1 inches. It weighs close to 2 pounds, making it a tad heavier than usual.
Hardware & Performance
The dual-core chipset clubbed with 256MB of RAM accounts for faster speeds and consistent throughput. However, you still need to invest separately in a router if you want to activate the wireless utilities.
Conclusion
Despite being a budget modem, Surfboard SBV3202 offers several networking attributes and excellent channel bonding support, helping it outpace some of the mid-range products on the list.
- Cost-effective
- 32 x 8 channels
- Multiple LEDs
- Reliable VoIP performance
- Not a combo
- Heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a VoIP cable modem by your side, you can plug the analog telephone into the phone jack and make use of the IP telephony. However, before proceeding, you need to check the RJ-11 port and cable compatibility.
Modems with built-in analog telephone adapters or ATA offer IP telephony or VoIP services by making room for telephone ports.
Modem-router combos with VoIP functionality are the best networking devices to pick in terms of cost-effectiveness, and functionality, especially if you want to save space by getting something more inclusive.
If you are interested in telephone modems, you must ensure that they are compatible with the service provider supplying internet and voice services to your home or office. DOCSIS 3.0 should be the bare minimum, and you must also look for excellent processing hardware to stay safe and ahead of network congestion.
Verdict
While I have reviewed the top 5 voice-compatible modems, I believe that more use-case-specific segregation would be better. So here are the picks that I would recommend if you want to purchase something more exclusive:
- Office owners and corporate users can make use of the Netgear CM2050V as it promises excellent VoIP and internet throughput
- If you are into combos and looking for a device with Voice and routing capabilities, the Motorola MT7711 is the perfect cable modem router with a phone jack.
- Also, if you are an occasional gamer who prefers multiple ethernet ports over any other feature, the Arris SVG2482AC is the option to invest in
And yes, you can pick any other device mentioned on the list that best aligns with your budget, requirements, and particular networking needs.
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